Pharmaceutical giant announces Connemara jobs boost

by Martina Nee Galway Advertiser, Thu, Apr 19, 2012

Mylan CEO Heather Bresch

An announcement made by global pharmaceutical company Mylan that it is to create more than 500 new positions, 220 of which are to be based at its facility in Connemara, has been broadly welcomed as a major boost.

It was announced yesterday that Mylan is to expand its operations in Dublin and Galway with the creation of the 500 jobs over the next five years, following an investment of up to €76 million. The investment which is being supported by IDA Ireland, will include funding for the expansion of the company’s research and development (R&D ) capabilities.

Mylan which is considered to be the largest generics pharmaceutical manufacturer in Ireland and one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies currently employs 700 people at its facilities in Ireland. The planned expansion will see 220 of the 500 new positions being created at Mylan’s Bioniche Pharma unit in Indreabhán, County Galway, while the remaining jobs will be created at Gerard Laboratories in Baldoyle in Dublin. Bioniche Pharma, which is an Údarás na Gaeltachta supported company, develops and manufactures sterile injectable pharmaceutical drugs and currently employs approximately 160 people.

Speaking at the announcement in Baldoyle yesterday An Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “Mylan’s decision to expand in both Dublin and Galway is most welcome news. Mylan is a key member of the Irish pharmaceutical sector and one of the top suppliers in the country, providing the market with high quality generic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medicines. Today’s announcement, in addition to the company’s proven 25-year track record as a top employer and reliable exporter in Ireland, demonstrates Mylan’s commitment to its Irish operations and recognition for the capabilities of its talented workforce. I would like to offer continued support of the Irish Government, and IDA Ireland, to Mylan as it continues to grow in our country and as it further serves as an innovative contributor to the Irish economy.’’

Echoing these views Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation Richard Bruton, cited the “life sciences industry” as a key part of the Government’s strategy for jobs and growth, a sector which employs approximately 50,000 people in Ireland and is a major strength that must be built on. “Through continued implementation of the Action Plan for Jobs, I am determined to ensure that we can see more announcements like this around the country over the coming years,” he said.

Mylan CEO Heather Bresch said: ‘‘This investment in Mylan’s Irish operations and the growth of our capabilities in the country demonstrate our continued commitment to and confidence in our respiratory franchise and injectables platform, both of which are among Mylan’s many long-term growth drivers. Ireland also has proven to be a valuable location for Mylan, providing the company with access to a skilled and highly educated workforce that shares our strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. I would like to thank Taoiseach Kenny, Richard Bruton, Ireland’s Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, along with IDA Ireland, for all of their support. Importantly, I’d also like to recognise Mylan’s employees in Ireland for their hard work and dedication to our continued success.’’

IDA Ireland CEO Barry O’Leary said: “These projects meet with key objectives of IDA Ireland’s strategy Horizon 2020 to create high quality life sciences jobs. I wish Mylan every success with this operation and on behalf of IDA Ireland look forward to continuing to work closely and support the company in the future.’’

In addition to the financial incentives provided by the IDA, Údarás Na Gaeltachta, a regional economic development agency that provides specialised support for Irish-speaking communities, assisted with the support of these expansion efforts. Commending the work undertaken by Údarás Na Gaeltachta and IDA Ireland Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltachta, Dinny McGinley, hailed the investment of Mylan as a significant development which will have a substantial impact on the Galway Gaeltacht. “Mylan’s decision to significantly expand its facility in Connemara and establish it as a centre of excellence for the company’s injectable pharmaceutical products and R&D processes is a vote of confidence in the area and the local workforce... This is a prime example of how Ireland’s enterprise development agencies collaborate to ensure that the west of Ireland and specifically the Gaeltacht areas benefit from job creation through foreign direct investment.”

Ó Cuív and Nolan hail Mylan announcement

Local representatives have also welcomed the news, with Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó Cuív describing it as a major boost for the area and proof that “the Galway Gaeltacht remains a very attractive place to do business”.

“Over the years County Galway has built a strong reputation as a global hub for research and technology, particularly in the area of pharmaceuticals and medical devices... These 220 new jobs to be created over the next five years will be highly-skilled positions that will add real value to the local economy. I want to congratulate Mylan and the IDA on this investment, and Údarás na Gaeltachta for all the work it has done with Bioniche over the past number of years. I wish the company continued success in the Galway Gaeltacht into the future,” said Deputy Ó Cuív, who added that Bioniche has been a valued employer in Connemara.

“Galway has the skilled workforce needed to bring in major employers,” said Labour TD for Galway West Derek Nolan who also welcomed the announcement by Mylan as a major boost for the Gaeltacht, Connemara, and Galway.

Deputy Nolan said: "At a time when unemployment remains so high, this announcement proves that Galway is well placed to entice further job opportunities. It provides clear signs that over time we can tackle this huge problem. Jobs and investment are the only way that our economy will truly recover. This announcement is further proof of the Government's commitment to creating new jobs. It also shows that Galway has the skilled workforce needed to bring in major employers like this, and I will continue to work so that Galway gets the attention and help it needs to create as many jobs as possible in this difficult environment.” Deputy Nolan also complimented the IDA and Údarás na Gaeltachta for their work in attracting this investment.